Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026
NBS Troy Experience Center
2595 Bellingham
Troy, MI 48083
We’re excited to invite you to participate in NBS Design Forward, an exclusive program created for emerging interior designers in our community.
Over the course of three months, you’ll gain valuable insight from industry experts, connect with peers, and build a strong foundation in key areas of furniture planning.
All sessions will take place on Fridays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the NBS Troy Experience Center. This unique learning experience is designed to help designers strengthen their knowledge, build confidence, and grow — all while being inspired by the possibilities of great design.
Instructors: Tracey Gancasz and Malena Montoya
We kick off the series by exploring the foundations of commercial furniture design. This session will guide participants through setting project and furniture goals, balancing vision, aesthetics, quality, safety, performance, and employee wellbeing. Attendees will gain hands-on understanding of furniture systems, from casegoods to modular solutions, while learning key industry terminology and workplace planning trends. The session also includes an interactive “Furniture Bingo” game and a tour of the NBS Troy Experience Center, providing real-world exposure to how design concepts translate into functional, inspiring spaces.
We kick off the series by exploring the foundations of commercial furniture design. This session will guide participants through setting project and furniture goals, balancing vision, aesthetics, quality, safety, performance, and employee wellbeing. Attendees will gain hands-on understanding of furniture systems, from casegoods to modular solutions, while learning key industry terminology and workplace planning trends. The session also includes an interactive “Furniture Bingo” game and a tour of the NBS Troy Experience Center, providing real-world exposure to how design concepts translate into functional, inspiring spaces.
Instructors: Kelli Johnston and Jennifer Hrosko
In this session, participants will explore how collaboration shapes successful workplace design. Attendees will gain insight into the dynamic relationship between dealer design teams and A&D firms, learning how each supports the other throughout the project process. The discussion will cover best practices for RFP responses, FFE approaches, and tips for smoother project execution, along with a walkthrough of the ideal project engagement timeline. By understanding how to plan, communicate, and collaborate effectively, designers will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen partnerships and bring greater efficiency and creativity to every project.
In this session, participants will explore how collaboration shapes successful workplace design. Attendees will gain insight into the dynamic relationship between dealer design teams and A&D firms, learning how each supports the other throughout the project process. The discussion will cover best practices for RFP responses, FFE approaches, and tips for smoother project execution, along with a walkthrough of the ideal project engagement timeline. By understanding how to plan, communicate, and collaborate effectively, designers will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen partnerships and bring greater efficiency and creativity to every project.
Instructors: Tanya Romanelli and Tracey Gancasz
Finally, we dive into the technical details that elevate great design. Participants will explore key material categories—fabrics, woods, and laminates—while learning about testing standards, sustainability considerations, and helpful COM tips. The session will also focus on developing a discerning eye for quality and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on how construction methods, materials, and warranties impact design decisions. By strengthening their technical understanding, emerging designers will gain the confidence to specify with precision and deliver solutions that balance beauty, performance, and longevity.
Finally, we dive into the technical details that elevate great design. Participants will explore key material categories—fabrics, woods, and laminates—while learning about testing standards, sustainability considerations, and helpful COM tips. The session will also focus on developing a discerning eye for quality and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on how construction methods, materials, and warranties impact design decisions. By strengthening their technical understanding, emerging designers will gain the confidence to specify with precision and deliver solutions that balance beauty, performance, and longevity.
Spots are limited for this invite-only program. We hope you will consider continuing your journey with NBS Design Forward!
The NBS Design Forward program is a three-part series. By registering, you’re signing up to participate in all three in-person sessions.
